Blue Valley Today — Fall 2024

FALL 2024

Grad fulfills dream of teaching The science of teaching BV sets record AP scores Fall 2024 • 1

15020 Metcalf Overland Park, Kansas 66283

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A PROUD TO SUPPORT

Message from the

Superintendent

BLUE VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

It’s hard to believe we are already two months into the new school year. The energy and excitement that ushered in the first few days of the 2024-25 school year has continued. It’s clear this is one of the best starts to the school year we’ve ever had.

At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to student success. Ensuring students thrive in all areas of their lives is a top priority. Because of the work we do around Mental Health First Aid and the support we offer our students in and outside the classroom, our students can be academically successful. One area where our students are reaching new heights is on the Advanced Placement (AP) tests.

Our AP scores are the highest they’ve ever been, with more students than ever challenging themselves with these rigorous courses. The class of 2024 set new records, with 52.7% of students taking an AP exam and 43% passing at least one AP exam during their high school career. Our state assessments are trending upward, a testament to the hard work of both our students and educators.

None of these achievements would be possible without our educators. Each day, they come to work dedicated and ready to help their students succeed. With over 74% of our staff members holding master’s degrees or higher, their expertise is evident in how they tailor instruction to meet the individual needs of each student.

They are champions of learning who dedicate their time and effort to analyzing data so they can make informed decisions that drive student success.

Blue Valley Schools 15020 Metcalf Ave. P.O. Box 23901 Overland Park, KS 66283-0901 913-239-4000 Superintendent Tonya Merrigan, Ed.D.

Board of Education Jodie Dietz Dr. Sonya Evans Patrick Hurley Jan Kessinger Gina Knapp Jim McMullen Clay Norkey

We are equally committed to the health and well-being of every student. Our schools are more than just a place to learn — they are communities where students feel supported and valued. This approach ensures that our students not only excel academically but thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Blue Valley's ability to guide students toward success and hire remarkable educators wouldn't be possible without the district's goals. This year, we have a unique opportunity to update Blue Valley’s strategic plan, a process that has served us well over the years. Strategic planning helps us set meaningful goals, and we want every voice to be heard. We need input from everyone in our community, including our students, parents, staff and patrons. Your opinions and thoughts are invaluable as we chart the course for our district’s future.

As we embark on another school year, I look forward to seeing what our students accomplish over the next seven months. Our students have proven they are committed to excellence. With our community’s support, we can ensure each student excels in the classroom and develops into a well-rounded individual prepared for their future. Together, we’re shaping a bright and promising future for our students.

Tonya Merrigan, Ed.D. Superintendent

Website www.bluevalleyk12.org For more information about Blue Valley Today, contact the Communications Department - 913-239-4047.

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Fall 2024 • 3

Blue Valley students set record AP pass rate thanks to dedicated students, high-quality educators

"THE HIGH AP SCORES THAT BLUE VALLEY ACHIEVED COME PARTLY FROM THE STUDENT’S DESIRE TO BE SUCCESSFUL. THEY’RE WILLING TO PUT IN THE TIME, EFFORT AND GRIT." THERESA GROSPITCH AP CALCULUS TEACHER, BLUE VALLEY WEST

“The teachers at Blue Valley have been instrumental in my academic journey,” Barve said. “Their commitment inspired me to create outlines that have not only helped me but also my classmates achieve high scores.”

During Rishabh Barve’s freshman year of high school, he enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP) class to help him build strong academic skills that he knew would be essential for his college career. Since then, Barve has felt the positive impact of AP classes. “[AP classes] have impacted my academic journey in that it’s been really a nice stepping stone in high school of academic rigor and academic accomplishment, which are two things that, I think, uniquely pose students to enter into really tough schools,” Barve said.

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In the classrooms of Blue Valley high schools, AP courses are more than just a challenge — they are a gateway to college-level learning. For students seeking to push themselves academically, these courses provide a chance to develop the skills needed for future success. With remarkable success rates, Blue Valley students are proving that hard work and dedication prepare them for the next chapter in their lives.

Barve stands out as an outstanding student, as he is enrolled in six AP classes this year. What sets him

apart is that he is committed to challenging himself academically and has a passion for helping others succeed.

For every AP history class he’s taken, Barve has created detailed outlines that summarize the entire course content in 40 pages or less. These outlines have become a valuable resource with students who have used them and achieved high scores on their AP exams. Barve’s motivation for helping others comes from his educators, who are at the heart of AP classes.

Barve’s experience is just one example of how Blue Valley’s AP courses shape academic journeys across the district. AP courses consistently deliver outstanding results, with students achieving top scores each year. The 2023-24 school year was particularly exceptional, as Blue Valley achieved its highest AP scores since 2016.

This achievement highlights the dedication of Blue Valley students and educators while reinforcing the district’s commitment to being champions of learning.

During the 2023-24 school year, Blue Valley students completed more than 4,000 AP exams, with 84% earning a score of 3 or higher.

The class of 2024 set new records, with 52.7% of students taking an AP exam and 43% passing at least one AP exam during their high school career. Teachers across the district have showcased several key factors that play a crucial role in this accomplishment.

“The data is a big celebration for our high schools, it’s a big celebration for

our teachers and, most importantly, it enables students to potentially jumpstart their futures faster than ever before,” said Adam Wade, Blue Valley’s Director of Academic Programs and Accountability.

Brandon Bishop, an AP World History teacher and student council sponsor at Blue Valley Southwest, shared his strategies and approaches that have contributed to his students’ success. Bishop’s focus on preparation and detailed instruction for the AP exams is reflected in the impressive scores of his students.

“The biggest factor in our success is the quality of our teaching staff and the emphasis Blue Valley places on the AP curriculum,” Bishop said.

“Many of our faculty members are AP readers who gain extra practice in the summers and get firsthand insight into what the College Board expects from students.”

Bishop emphasized the importance of familiarizing students with the AP exam format and expectations.

He utilizes AP course and exam descriptions, unit guides and rubrics to ensure students are wellprepared and fully understand the expectations for their exams.

The preparation that Bishop prioritizes is a common theme among other teachers in the

district, too. Theresa Grospitch, an AP Calculus teacher at Blue Valley West, demonstrates the same commitment to ensuring students excel in their AP courses.

“The high AP scores that Blue Valley achieved come partly from the students' desire to be successful,” Grospitch said. “They’re willing to put in the time, effort and grit.”

Grospitch said that while students can choose whether to take the AP exam, she strongly encourages them to. Many of her AP math students won’t need further math courses in college, so by choosing the AP route, they gain potential college credit and display their dedication.

As Blue Valley continues to break records and set new standards, the district’s commitment to high academic achievement remains clear. Through the dedication of students like Barve and the support of passionate educators, the district is not just preparing students for college — it’s shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.

“It’s really rewarding when you get to watch kids synthesize the knowledge with their classmates around them,” Grospitch said. “I love to see how my students light up when they make those connections in the classroom.”

Fall 2024 • 5

To learn more about how Blue Valley educators are using data, scan this QR code or visit tinyurl.com/ bvteachers to watch our latest video.

THE SCIENCE OF TEACHING:

How Blue Valley educators use data to shape student success Huddling over streams of data, teachers use evidence to help unlock the potential of every student who walks through their doors. They’re not just planning lessons; they’re anticipating needs, adapting strategies and crafting experiences that ignite a passion for learning.

dedicated time for teachers to expand their skill sets and grow professionally is crucial to driving student success.

To support their student learning, Blue Valley educators have mastered the art of using data to guide the design of their instruction, connecting numbers with lessons.

“Teachers in Blue Valley are professionals,” said Kelly June, Blue Valley’s Executive Director of Academic Services. “They understand that there is an art and science to teaching. Not only do they spend time finetuning their craft — the art of what they do every day — but they very much lean into the science of teaching.”

And this learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Having

Tools like Fastbridge, an adaptive assessment, and

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EduClimber, an interactive platform for tracking whole child data, empower teachers to pinpoint areas where students excel, and identify opportunities for targeted intervention, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to achieve their academic goals.

Heather Hall, an honors biology teacher at Blue Valley West, said this data informs her teaching strategies.

“It’s an ever-present piece in everything we do, every decision that we’re making," Hall said.

"There’s a lot of time that goes into what kind of data we want to collect. Every year, we’re going back and reviewing and changing those processes to make sure we’re asking the right questions to get the data we need.”

is built into the school year calendar.

“TEACHERS IN BLUE VALLEY ARE PROFESSIONALS. THEY UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS AN ART AND SCIENCE TO TEACHING. NOT ONLY DO THEY SPEND TIME FINETUNING THEIR CRAFT — THE ART OF WHAT THEY DO EVERY DAY — BUT THEY VERY MUCH LEAN INTO THE SCIENCE OF TEACHING." KELLY JUNE

BLUE VALLEY’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC SERVICES

This approach isn’t possible without dedicated time to analyze the numbers. With plan time being built into middle and high school schedules, secondary teachers have flexibility during the week for professional learning with colleagues. For elementary teachers’ plan time

“We spent a lot of time looking at what is it that our kids need, what do we design for them, where do we go next with teachers but that was really just the start of it.,” said Deanne Whitlock, an instructional design coach at Stilwell Elementary.

“The teachers then ran with that work. They often met outside of contract hours to continue that collaboration to design what was going to happen in class with kids. [So] we are really excited for this year’s collaboration days and we will put them to good use.”

As a district whose foundation is based on high-quality education for students, this datadriven approach empowers teachers and students to reach unprecedented milestones.

“That’s the magic when you have a great professional in front of kids," June said. "They blend the science and art of teaching, then couple that with their huge heart for students — amazing things happen.”

Fall 2024 • 7

First day of school On August 13, Blue Valley Schools

welcomed back more than 22,000 students excited to learn and grow. To stay up to date with all the exciting happenings this school year, follow Blue Valley Schools on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Fall 2024 • 9

News & Notes Blue Valley named a top employer in Kansas For the sixth consecutive year, Forbes ranked Blue Valley Schools as one of the best employers in Kansas. The district has been named to the list each year since the award’s inception. This honor reflects the district’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment through its agile systems and focus on balanced health and well-being. Thank you to Blue Valley’s exemplary staff, whose dedication sets the district apart and drives student success.

Share feedback as Blue Valley refreshes its strategic plan

Blue Valley launches new sponsorship program

This school year is an exciting time in Blue Valley Schools as the district has the opportunity to look to the future while refreshing its strategic plan.

Your input is invaluable as the district prioritizes the goals and initiatives that will guide Blue Valley through 2030.

For the 2024-25 school year, Blue Valley Schools is excited to introduce “All In BV,” a new sponsorship initiative that offers local businesses a unique opportunity to support all high school activities across the district while promoting its brand at athletic and activity events.

The 2025-30 Strategic Plan survey is your chance to voice what you believe should be the district’s top priorities, ensuring that Blue Valley’s plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our community.

This program is designed to foster meaningful partnerships between businesses, families, community members, educators and students, enhancing the educational experience for everyone involved.

To provide input, visit tinyurl.com/BV2025SP or scan the QR code.

To learn more, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/allinbv or scan the QR code.

Annual Report highlights Blue Valley’s 2023-24 accomplishments From Blue Valley by the Numbers to Exemplary Educators and #ChampionsOfLearning, the district’s 2023-24 Annual Report provides a detailed look at the past school year across Blue Valley Schools.

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To read the full report, visit tinyurl.com/ BV2024AR or scan the QR code.

Inspired by her kindergarten teacher,

Blue Valley grad returns to fulfill dream of teaching Hanging on the wall in Hannah Spencer’s family home is a kindergarten activity sheet from 2007. On it, Spencer shared advice with her older self, items she needed to bring to college, a photo of her and her kindergarten teacher, and in the bottom right corner, penciled in “teacher” under the phrase “when I grow up.”

But there’s one teacher who planted the seed and helped her love of teaching bloom. Spencer, who began her education at Lakewood Elementary, fondly remembers her kindergarten teacher Missy Emmons.

Emmons, who has been teaching at Lakewood for 25 years, is who inspired Spencer to become a teacher.

Now, 17 years later, Spencer’s dream of teaching has come true as she enters her second year at Aspen Grove Elementary. Spencer, a Blue Valley Northwest graduate, never second-guessed where she wanted to teach — it was always Blue Valley.

On back-to-school night when Spencer’s students’ families ask her why she decided to be a teacher, she points to the smart board in her classroom. On it is a picture of Emmons and Spencer from when she was in kindergarten.

“That’s always been my dream,” Spencer said. “I wanted to make a full circle and come back and be in the district I grew up in.”

“I just think about [Missy’s] role as a kindergarten teacher quite a bit and how inspiring it is,” Spencer said.

Getting to where Spencer is today wouldn’t have been possible without the support of educators who dedicated themselves to ensuring Spencer, and all Blue Valley students, succeeded. From kindergarten through the CAPS program and all through her student teaching in the district, Spencer has been inspired by several educators.

Emmons remembers Spencer as a leader in the classroom and a ray of sunshine — qualities that Spencer still embodies to this day. It wasn’t until Spencer started student teaching in Blue Valley that the two reconnected.

Emmons said to reconnect and know that she inspired Spencer to become a teacher means the world.

“To make a difference — it’s why I’m in teaching — and that’s what I always want to do with my students,” Emmons said. “I always help them believe in themselves and you’ll do anything you want.”

As a veteran teacher, Emmons has inevitably inspired hundreds of students to pursue their aspirations in life. While she may not have the opportunity to know the stories of each student and what they’ve accomplished so far, she knows she’s making a difference each day.

For Spencer, it’s emotional to think she’s now teaching in the district she grew up in and encountered so many inspiring staff members.

She said she hopes to positively impact her students and, someday, reconnect with a student who she inspired to pursue their dreams.

“In kindergarten, you’re their first teacher,” Spencer said. “If I can do what Missy did for me, even to one student, then I’m doing it right. That’s why you’re in teaching — to make an impact.”

Fall 2024 • 11

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